AS dengue cases surge in the country, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa yesterday reminded the public that a second infection will likely be more severe compared to the first one.
“Scientists have this theory of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), wherein once you have had dengue, the next time you get it, it will no longer be mild and there is a good chance that it will be a serious illness,” he said in a briefing.
ADE is defined as a scenario wherein the body’s immune response makes the clinical symptoms of dengue worse, thus increasing a person’s risk of developing severe dengue.
The Department of Health issued the reminder as the country continues to see more dengue cases this year as compared to last year.
DOH data showed 340,860 dengue cases from January 1 to November 16.
“The number is 81 percent higher than the 188,574 dengue cases recorded during the same period in 2023,” said the DOH.
Herbosa said the DOH is closely monitoring clustering of cases in Dasmariñas, Cavite and in Quezon City, among others.
He asked the public to take precautionary measures against the mosquito-borne disease, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using mosquito repellant, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Herbosa said seeking early consultation is also necessary.
